2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a crossover fit for a large family

What do you consider a luxury feature on a new car? My list, coming from the parental perspective, may be different from someone else's list. For example, I like such features as power tailgates on SUVs and power sliding doors on minivans -- or at least an unlocking feature on the key fob -- because your hands are always full of things, like babies and grocery bags, diaper bags and strollers. It's nice to not have to set all that down just to unlock a door or tailgate. I also like extra seat belts. The kids usually want to bring their friends along on our adventures and, let's face it, more is always merrier.

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe gives you the option adding more seat belts, should you want it, in this very comfortable and capable crossover vehicle. You can select from the five-passenger model or, beginning in January, opt for the seven-passenger version.

While we did not get to test drive that particular model -- with its longer wheelbase and three rows of seats -- we did get to test the five-passenger version with its host of advanced safety features and many other items.

Whether you pick the five- or the seven-passenger model, all 2013 versions have been totally redesigned. That puts the Santa Fe in its third generation for Hyundai, and they have added a lot to the remix.

The 2013 models are a little lighter -- by about 266 pounds -- which should help fuel economy. They also offer a choice of three engines -- a 2.-4-liter four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter GDI engine or a Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine.

The Santa Fe is also equipped with Hyundai's Active Cornering Control AWD, which helps during tight driving circumstances.

Other features found on the 2013 models include seven standard airbags, as well as one for the driver's knees; a heated steering wheel; heated rear seats; manual rear window sunshades; sliding and reclining second row seating that fold in a 40/20/20 split; a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera; a huge panoramic sunroof that extends well into the second row; and an Infinity Logic surround sound audio system with 12 speakers.

Our test car also had leather seating, a navigation system with eight-inch touchscreen display and steering wheel mounted controls.

Behind the wheel, I found the seats in all positions were firm and comfortable. There is a large storage tray centrally located under the dash, which was good for holding garage door openers, cell phones and the like.

Visibility is good to the front and somewhat obscured to the sides by large side view mirrors. The rear window is small and so visibility is reduced, especially more so because of large passenger head rests. There is, however, a good amount of head and hip room here, even for the rear middle passenger.

On the road, we found the Hyundai Santa Fe handled very well, offered a smooth and quiet ride, and a sprightly performance.

Overall, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a nice-looking crossover vehicle that can easily accommodate five, or even seven if your circle of family and friends is big enough to need those extra seat belts.